Why Did I Keep It A Secret?

Below is the poem entitled Why Did I Keep It A Secret? which was written by poet
Brandee
Augustus. Please feel free to comment on this poem. However, please remember, PoetrySoup is a place of encouragement and growth.

Why Did I Keep It A Secret?

When I was five, I should have told my
mom that one of my friends called her
ugly. Maybe I would have
stopped being overly
sensitive at school
if guys didn't
look at me
or like
me.
I never realized how much her
words hurt me when she first said them.
Remembering how I used
to treat her when we played
at school and made sure
others knew why
truly makes
it quite
clear.
As we got older, I don't think she
even remembered saying it.
I included my closest
friends in a fight she was
oblivious of.
Telling her it
hurt would have
been the
best.

This is heartbreaking, Brandee. When we look at people, we should see the beauty in their souls, not just the exterior. I had a friend who was very down on herself for a long time because she felt unattractive. In fact, she had a beautiful heart and I loved her dearly. Children are cruel. My parents did buy us many clothes and I couldn't "compete" with the girls when I went to a public high school until I learned to sew. You are one of my favorite poets, dear. Love, Carolyn

Enjoyed reading your work...I don't think that repeating what the child said would have been wise but that was some very rude and cruel words expressed from the child with the intend to hurt you and your family..Keep up the creative work..I was gladden that you stopped by and commented on my work...Sara